A Journey from Brutality to Brightness at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The exterior of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (all photos by the author for Hyperallergic)

WASHINGTON, DC — In the heart of what was once known as Chocolate City — a city that was the home of Marvin Gaye, go-go, and the March on Washington, but also where slaves helped build some of the most prominent buildings in America — a new museum has found its place on National Mall. Visiting the National African American Museum of History and Culture during its opening weekend, what I most noticed was the play of light and darkness. This contrast is present in the very structure of the building — with its exterior of both a bronze-hued metal lattice and glass — and recurs throughout the exhibits inside.

Beginning in the underground historical galleries, dark walls surround visitors, while the narrative guides you through the pain, suffering, and redemption of African American history. It’s best to travel upward through the museum. Moving to the upper level galleries, visitors are greeted by both the light coming through the building and a popping celebration of culture, community, and music — accented by florescent bursts of color from the likes of the P-Funk Mothership. The interplay of light and dark is what I tried to capture on my first journey through the museum alongside the thousands of other visitors opening weekend.

Visitors wait in line to get into the National Museum of African American History and Culture on opening weekendThe lobby of the National Museum of African American History and CulturePart of the historical displays in the the National Museum of African American History and CultureShackles on display in the historical galleries in the the National Museum of African American History and CultureA historical display in the the National Museum of African American History and CulturePart of the historical displays in the the National Museum of African American History and CulturePart of the historical displays in the the National Museum of African American History and CulturePart of the historical displays in the the National Museum of African American History and CultureVisitors use computer terminals in the the National Museum of African American History and CulturePart of the historical galleries in the the National Museum of African American History and CultureA gallery in the National Museum of African American History and CultureThe contemplative court at the National Museum of African American History and CultureThe contemplative court at the National Museum of African American History and CultureA neon sign from Soul Train at the National Museum of African American History and CultureThe Parliament-Funkadelic Mothership at the National Museum of African American History and Culture